State Highway 1 still closed after separate truck crashes, limiting access to Wellington
Road access to Wellington was temporarily down to a windy, hilly road that heavy vehicles can't use after two crashes blocked State Highways 1 and 2.
- Remutaka Hill road on SH2 was closed shortly before midday Friday after two trucks collided, adding further pressure to the road network at the start of Labour Weekend. The road reopened about 1pm.
- An earlier truck crash about 3.45am near Pukerua Bay on SH1 has been blocking the road in both directions. The Mainfreight truck was carrying hazardous chemicals and paint products. The driver received minor injuries.
Motorists have been warned of major delays, and light vehicles can use the Paekākāriki Hill Rd. The section of road between Paekākāriki and Grays Rd at Mana is closed and Police said it could remain this way until late.
Keep up-to-date with the traffic chaos here.
NZTA regional transport systems manager Mark Owen said: "If people are heading out of town they need to think of an alternative at this stage, and it's certainly going to take a lot longer if they take an alternative route."
Police have asked motorists to avoid the area.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: Do you think NZ should ban social media for youth?
The Australian Prime Minister has expressed plans to ban social media use for children.
This would make it illegal for under 16-year-olds to have accounts on platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.
Social media platforms would be tasked with ensuring children have no access (under-age children and their parents wouldn’t be penalised for breaching the age limit)
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Do you think NZ should follow suit? Vote in our poll and share your thoughts below.
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85.2% Yes
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13.5% No
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1.2% Other - I'll share below
The Hikoi on Tuesday 19th
I copied this from a Facebook page: The expected route of the hīkoi on Tuesday is from Takapuwahia Maree in Esldon towards Porirua and along Kenepuru Drive to Tawa, then up Middleton Road to Johnsonville, down Ngaraunga George and along the old Hutt Road to Wellington. They are anticipating significant congestion on the roads between 06.00am and 12.30pm.